A Feminine Perspective on Business and Passion with Creative Director Nairi Barseh of Edward Roth New York

“Passion is the soul of a dream. If your dream has a soul that is revived by passion and energy, the sky is the limit. The creator, who follows his passion, lives the dream and listens to the heart, dedicates his time entirely to the achievement of the dream and does not mind the difficulties he has to face as long as the dream is alive.” -Nairi Barseh

A Feminine Perspective on Business and Passion, with Nairi Barseh; Creative Director of the Haute Couture Line, Edward Roth New York.

Welcome to Edward Roth New York, Haute Couture silk fashion line driven by Creative Director Nairi Barseh. Nairi is a woman who conquers the goals she sets her heart on. When it comes to female entrepreneurs, Nairi Barseh is at the top. Filled with loyal passion for her dreams, Nairi’s focus is to continue to grow the line piece by piece. As she and her team continually refine and redefine “the boundaries between high end fashion and art,” they bring a stylish edge that is truly unmatched. Made inside of their own Atelier, located in the heart of New York’s garment district, the dresses, tops and pants are ready ladies. Silk, silk and more silk! Bold graphics, each handpicked by Nairi’s chosen artists, blast sexy silhouettes, color and attitude. Each piece comes with its own unique story. Edward Roth New York is inspired by, and created for, the independent women going after their dreams, a woman after Nairi’s own heart.

Following a wave of inspiration recently set off by Brian Smith’s The Birth of A Brand, we asked for Nairi’s response on the quote below as well as her response on what passion means for a woman building a couture fashion line in the heart of New York City.

“For entrepreneurs they can discover that despite the chaos, a new business can indeed find traction.” – The Toddler Years, The Birth of A Brand

Savvy: Passion can be a powerful motivator for a dream, what is your take on passion, and how has it helped you?

Nairi: Passion is the soul of a dream. If your dream has a soul that is revived by passion and energy, the sky is the limit. The creator, who follows his passion, lives the dream and listens to the heart, dedicates his time entirely to the achievement of the dream and does not mind the difficulties he has to face as long as the dream is alive.

Savvy: When we do an interview, it is really about giving the inner artists a chance to express the energy of their dream, and to show people that it’s possible to move past fears and into the light of the soul’s creative expression. We are still coming out of the ages where the life of an artist has most often been looked down upon– more in America though than other countries. It’s almost as if making money will somehow be enough to replace the voice and soul of an artist. In Soho for example, you will find many retired bankers or architects that have returned to more creative roots and opened their own atelier. What are your thoughts on this?

Nairi: “I will tell you this; the artist has a lot of struggle and fears, but in order to push yourself you should be in balance with your inner world. The better you see and visualize your dreams and goals, the closer you get to those dreams.”

Savvy: What was the inspiration behind your new collection? Is it reflecting something personal from your own journey as a woman?

Nairi: My first collection, being a women’s collection, was inspired by femininity in all its forms. I thought of a woman as a diamond, having multiple facets, reflecting her inner shine. This precious creation of nature is so complex and original that is requires the most precious setting to be put into. I thought of the clothes I created as that setting reflecting the inner beauty of an individual unlike any other. Each garment has its own art, story, inspiration and emotion. My intention was to create a gallery of pieces that would be very different. I wanted each woman to find her own, the one that speaks to her on the level of personal beliefs and feelings–one that relates to her life journey and experience, her dreams, and goals.

Savvy: If you had one thing to say that might inspire young girls who want to grow up and become fashion designers, what would it be?

Nairi: I always tell people to think about their passion first, to ask themselves what makes them so happy– that it is not comparable to anything else. If you feel like you know what that is, then form your vision, paint the dream in your mind so that it becomes very real to you. Make a decision to follow that dream, and never give up on it in spite of any fears and difficulties you will face.

Savvy: Who, and or what, are your biggest inspirations in life?

Nairi: Life itself, its events and the different energies it is comprised of are my inspiration. To feel that energy of life, the energy of people surrounding you is a blessing. I am inspired by the complexity of human nature and the variety of emotions that make our experience one-of-a-kind. A lot of my inspiration comes from music, art and dance.

Savvy: Regarding growing a brand, and reflecting on of Brian’s book, have you been able to find a rhythm that nurtures you at the same time as your company?

Nairi: Every passionate dreamer will relate to Brian’s experience and I am not an exception. What drives me to continue creating is the vision that I have–which no one else can see, besides me. I know I have to keep interpreting that vision through my work, so that one day it becomes clear to everyone else. This consistency and dedication creates the rhythm that eventually takes an individual, or a company, to the destination we call “success”. It is true that your business is like your child, must always nurture it, give it all your time and energy, and if this child grows to be a successful individual, able to function on its own and even take care of you, then you win… just like Brian.

Savvy: Yes, Brian also mentions that in his book that your vision for what can be is your greatest asset, while the ones who copy can only see what you have done.

Savvy: What has helped you stay ahead of the game with fashion being such a competitive business?

Nairi: Focus on creativity, quality, and originality–everything that helps us make an honest product. I believe in integrity and delivering on a promise. If you promise comfort your product has to be comfortable and if you promise a dream make it come alive.

Savvy: And last but not least, where can people expect to see Edward Roth Next?

Nairi: Right now we are in our showroom and in selected high-end boutiques. We will continue working with stores that show our creations by request to their top clients. In the future we are planning to open our own gallery, have shows and exhibitions in museums, and make exclusive couture pieces for auction.

Savvy Way of Life is grateful for this interview with Edward Roth New York. If you are as excited as we are, you can find more from Edward Roth on the links below.

Prêt à Porter: http://issuu.com/edward3070/docs/edwardrothnewyorkpretaporter
Couture: http://issuu.com/edward3070/docs/edwardrothnewyorkcouture
Men T-Shirts: http://issuu.com/edward3070/docs/edwardrothnewyorktshirts
Scarves: http://issuu.com/edward3070/docs/edwardrothnewyorkscarves

For more on The Birth of A Brand visit:

Www.BrianaSmithspeaker.com

Or a copy is also available at Amazon.com

The Naked Label Collection by Designer Allison Press

In the nest 5 years I would really love to start or at least get involved with a non-profit organization, most likely arts-based with children. I feel that it is really important for those who can, to give back to the community!

As you may have experienced for yourself, New York City is one place where you are constantly bound to come across new designers. As if some have just sprouted up over night, to redefine the definition of possible in the world of fashion. One such designer is Allison Press, and after selling a few of her hand made metal and crystal pieces, realized that she belonged to the world of jewelry making. Since then, Allison has stayed full time in designing jewelry and continues to be highlighted for her one of kind, futuristic yet natural style.  Savvy Way of Life is proud to present Allison Press; creator and owner of The Naked Label Collection.

Savvy: Have you always wanted to do you down label? Do you feel your experience in the world of fashion has given you a better understanding on how to launch your own line?

Allison: As a child I was always involved with the Arts, but eventually it was Fashion that seemed to combine all the artisitic elements I loved.  In middle school a friend and I had our own mock-clothing line, we were obsessed with Runway and Couture, so from the beginning it was what I always fantasized doing.  I personally jumped feet first into it, right out of college.  I had been working in Fashion for about 6 months in New York before meeting people who were starting their own line, Love Brigade, my first co-company, which I designed the jewelry and clothing for.  It was from this company I realized I wanted to focus on jewelry and really wanted to branch off on my own to do it, this was the start of Naked Label.

Allison: In the beginning of my career I did a lot of freelance with the design house Ohne Titel, which at the time was a new company.  I think working with them at that time definitely helped give me a better understanding of how to start my own line and of the fashion industry in general.  The more experience the better, big or small, it always helps to be on the inside, especially with meeting people and establishing contacts.  But most importantly it requires a lot of drive, hard work, and focus.

Savvy: What has been the hardest thing about launching your own line?

Allison: The hardest part of launching your own line for me was having the patience and perseverance to see it through and to see it grow. Getting your name out there can be a very slow process, so by default it takes a lot of love, time, and dedication.

Savvy: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Allison: Hopefully, in five years the company will be continuing to grow, I’d ideally love to open a flagship store and carry other select brands.  I’m actually in the process of starting a sister company with a colleague, so in five years that should be well integrated! I can’t disclose the name yet, but its going to be ‘home & object’, very sculptural, functional, and conceptual.  Super excited about it, more details to come very soon!! I also would love in the nest 5 years to start or get involved with a non-profit organization, most likely arts-based with children. I think its really important for those who can, to give back to the community!

Savvy: What has been the best thing about starting Naked Label?

Allison: I love the fact that in starting your own company everything is SO hands on, you get to be apart of the whole entire process from beginning to end, all of it!  It can be overwhelming but I think its important to know all the odd and ends of your own business. That aspect won’t last forever as the company grows, but I really enjoyed it!

Savvy: What is the best thing about having your own business?

Allison: My favorite part will always be the design process! I love the control of being able to have a vision in my head and see it go from a sketch to a real piece of jewelry. Its an amazing process to create something from beginning to end, its very fulfilling.

Savvy: Do you plan to go international?

Allison: We would love to go international! We’ve been selling on and off with both Kabiri, in London, and ShopBop. Once all the details get worked out with our sister company, the international market will be next on the agenda!

Savvy: What is the scariest thing about having your own business?

Allison: At first, one of the hardest and ‘scariest’ parts of having my own business was that I was the ONE whose accountable!  There’s nobody to turn to but yourself, which can be very scary but at the same time can be so incredibly satisfying! Eventually, though, as the company grows you start to depend on other people too and that can be even harder! It’s very important to make and maintain good business contacts and relationships, they can make it or break it!

Savvy: What have you learned about yourself since starting your own business?

Allison: I have learned a ton about myself, about my drive and dedication, and what I’m capable of! You always have to trust your decisions and your instincts! I’ve learned that if I love something I make the time to do it, even if it means staying up all night.  I’ve also learned how to manage my time better in all aspects of my life.  I’ve learned thats its very important to know “when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em” as Kenny Roger’s says, ha!

You can see one of Allison’s latest highlights below in The Last Magazine.

http://thelast-magazine.com/online-exclusive-heavy-hands/?view_larger=1

Allison Press

Owner/Designer

Naked Label

Brooklyn, NY

http://www.nakedlabel.net

Share this:

Savviness is a natural by-product of true self knowledge and wisdom that comes from personal growth, and that is why, it can not be taught.

The Savvy Way of Life is A Nurturing Process

If you can give yourself something every day, give your self a kind thought, one of love and gratitude. Make a rule every morning, you must give yourself one self loving thought, and with out any trace of retribution or judgment, no matter what your mind will try to distract you with. Even if you can not see it in your heart or believe it with all you are just yet, give it time, because you will. The intention of honoring yourself in that small way can be the leak that breaks down the dam. Promise yourself and truly give yourself that once a day positive reinforcement, or at least start to ponder what makes you feel good. Practice it from this point forward, write it down even, stick it on your mirror everyday so you can see a gradual covering of your own reflection. Let it remind you that your “outside reflection” only holds the power that you believe it has. Just like a magic spell, if you stop agreeing to the mental curses and spells you have placed on yourself, you may be surprised at how powerful you suddenly start to feel, almost unstoppable. You will find that your true power does not come from the outside agreements, but from the inner recognition you allow yourself to have. Love soothes, it brings peace inside and allows yours heart and soul to expand. As you learn to dismiss or even de-falsify what you may have been telling yourself for years it will become easier to let the shards of glass flake away to the true image underneath it all. Let loving words and thoughts guide and cradle your life when you start to doubt your potential. Remember this is not a race against anybody else, it only is about that lack of love that you allow yourself to have from moment to moment. Be brave, and know that you are eternally deserving and worthy of a love so pure, that it can sooth away any pain. You are infinite energy naturally made from unconditional love, and in order to grow you must, at least once a day, allow yourself to have that seed planted in your mind, so that you can start to enjoy the life you deserve to have.

The Birth of A Brand shares the most valuable lessons in business.

Creator of UGG boots Brian Smith writes a very savvy book from his experience in business. He is all about giving back. http://www.briansmithspeaker.com/the-book/

The Alice Yim Girl

“She carries her fashion foundation from season to season

with a minimalist, classic, feminine and edgy approach to style.

She never requires being the center of attention, but gracefully

makes her presence known.”

If this sounds familiar to you, then you might call yourself an Alice Yim Girl.

If Alice Yim is not somewhere in the world working on her own collection, she is probably dancing, enjoying a good meal or volunteering as an editor at a local multi-cultural magazine.

When Alice started volunteering at Elite magazine, she found there was a need for an Asian friendly fashion column that would help the Asian communities in New York and abroad to stay current in America’s latest fashion trends. Helping the staff with the fashion columns soon became her way to provide community service. 

“Community service is important; it helps you to appreciate the things that you have.”

It is no secret that a ‘fast fashion” industry, flooded the market place with competitively low prices leaving designers like Alice learning to swim in a current of already overly cheap mass production.

“Everyone can have designer looking fashion much cheaper these days. No one wants to pay high price for fashion anymore.”

So far she has invested nine years of her life, and most of her energy into making her brand. If anyone in this city knows how to produce a chic and comfortable ready to wear collection, it’s Alice. Her feminine prints are mixed with sophisticated style that can match any age.

Amongst all the competition, Alice Yim has been determined to find a way to keep her prices affordable while still keeping her personal brand alive–and she has. With a fashion market as over stimulated as a college student’s adrenal glands, It is always refreshing to find thoughtfully designed clothing, with quality still intact, and not with a luxury brand price tag.

It’s hard to miss the adventurous spirit of Alice Yim. At the end of the interview, Alice shared one of her favorite spots for dessert in the city. All fashion topics  had been left at the door replaced by her growing excitement for ChikaLicious, a dessert bar otherwise known as “Kisses Cupcakes.”  She is not only a fan of the dessert, but of the hard work she has seen the owners pour into their intimate settings and product over the years. The respects seems mutual  as the owner spots her and helps her to grab the last seats at the bar. The small yet intimate environment boasts a three course menu of homemade delicatessens. It was an attest to Alice’s style; classy and intimate with a high level of taste. Her desire to engage in the world around her, to be involved on every level would explain why her fashion continues to grow along side of her own curiosity. Alice Yim New York collections have recently landed in Asia where it is being sold through XINLELU.COM, a multi-channel retailer of Indie based labels in Shanghai.

The Interview.

How long have you lived in NYC?

I was born in Shanghai, grew up in Hong Kong and moved to America to study at the age of 17. Upon graduating from the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco, I relocated to New York in 2012 to pursue a career in fashion, and then began freelancing for Michael Kors. I have been living here ever since.

Did you always dream of becoming a designer?

I couldn’t stop drawing when I was little–my wall was my canvas.  Once, when I was around 5 years old, I saw a runway show and told my mother I wanted to be a fashion designer when I grew up.

What is the main theme behind your clothing line?

Alice Yim New York’s style is simple, well made, elegant, versatile and easily transitioned from day to night.

What have been your biggest obstacles so far?

The fashion industry is very challenging, specifically the fast disposable fashions and the economy over the last few years in the USA.

What has helped you the most so far in your success?

My parents who provided me with my education, my business partner and my employees.

Did you finish school/college?

I went to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and graduated with a BA in Fashion Design, specializing in Knitwear.

Did you feel it was useful?

My training at the Academy of Art definitely helped me build a strong foundation and gain an understanding of design, including the technical aspect. On top of that, my instructors were all European designers who had worked in the industry for a long time. This gave me an in-depth and diverse perspective on the industry.

What have been some of your most motivating moments as a designer?

Seeing people wearing and truly appreciating my designs, and my first runway show.

What has been one of your most helpful learning experiences?

All my previous jobs have helped prepare me for the fashion industry in their own ways. At Michael Kors, working under the knitwear head designer was a great experience, and working as the senior technical designer at my last job really expanded and grounded my knowledge of knits.

What is your target audience as a designer?

Our customer is a put together, confident woman in her late 20s to 30s, who enjoys putting thought into her wardrobe and appearance.  Quality is very important to her. She follows fashion, even though she innately understands it. “Less is more” is her style mantra – always keeping her hair perfectly in place while still maintaining a natural look, never wearing makeup that is too overdone, and never over accessorizing.

If you had one other job if you were not a designer what would it be and why? 

Or is that not an option?

I would be an antique dealer because I love art, and it would allow me to travel a lot.

Any favorites books lately?

Revolving the Law Wheel

Do you read on a daily basis?

Yes, every night.

According to Business Insider, there is a common pattern that successful people are always early to rise.  Is this true for you? What time are you usually 

out of bed?

I am a night owl and tend to work late so I don’t wake up until 8:30 – 9am.

What gets your creativity flowing?

Art, traveling, flea markets & vintage stores

Where is your line being sold currently?

USA, Europe, China and online

Do you have any favorite quotes?  

Work hard, play hard.

I heard you had a back injury but healed it using meditation. Do you have any suggestions or thoughts on your healing process?

Mine was genetic, I was born with one additional vertebrae, it happens to one out of few hundred people. I had to go to physical therapy when I was a teen to try to correct my posture and after I started meditating. It just went away completely.

Do you meditate often?

I meditate a few times a week.

What is one thing you could not live with out on a daily basis? 

Earl grey tea latte with honey

For more information or to contact Alice Directly, you can visit her site at

www.AliceYim.com

https://twitter.com/aliceyimny

https://www.facebook.com/aliceyimnewyork

http://instagram.com/aliceyimnewyork

More information on ChikaLicious can be found at www.ChikaLicious.com

Photo compliments of Eric Martin http://ericmartinphoto.com

Alice Yim New York

Coming up next: Creative director/ owner of Alice Yim New York, shares her personal world as a fashion designer in New York City. Check out her site http://www.aliceyim.com as Savvy Way of Life prepares to dish out the latest news on her, and her fashion.

Embracing The Artist

Embracing the Artist

Many people may feel a deeper calling in this life, but not everyone will dare to just go after it.

In 2005, Charlie Green salvaged some paint, some canvas and took a shot at selling his art work on the streets of his hometown in Toronto Canada. The art work he made sold, just like the others would on his first trip to New York later in 2007. By 2009, committed to his dream to support himself from his own work, he left Canada and immersed himself into the thriving culture of New York city.

Five years later, he is still here, thanks to the freedom he found after pursuing his passion to paint. The artwork he sells allows him more free time to make more artwork. The ability to produce and sell his work, on his own terms, has been a gateway for new levels of creativity.

Charlie still sticks to his tradition of salvaging paint. The pieces are typically in soft whites and blues, mixed in with pencil and pen markings with peeling paint strips.  His new series of work focuses on the beauty, or the “subconscious art”, of graffiti removal.

“There is something about obliterating all meaning.”

While he explains his newfound inspiration-from the layers of New York-a woman walks by, stops, and points to his artwork. She was explaining, to her now five year-old daughter, that when she was two they would come here just to look at Charlie’s artwork. Besides his creativity, he has also fostered bonds with many of the people and families that come through Soho. Families returning on their annual trips from Norway, Sweden, and even a gallery owner from Japan stop by to place their new orders while saying hi to their dear old friend.

The  interview.

 

What is the hardest part about being a street vendor?

The generalization that it’s not of quality or it becomes undervalued just because of it being placed in the street. There are certain psychological challenges. I prefer this so there is no need to deal with third party people. I know many artists that struggle with the galleries. I like that I can just paint weekly and change it out  if I want to, or go with whatever inspiration there is to make enough for a bigger show.

 What keeps you motivated?

As long as your are selling, the motivation is there to make more art.

The goal to sustain myself off of what I make is a big achievement.

 Favorite part of being a street artist?

The freedom and autonomy. Also, very low overhead, with just a little organization.

Have you ever been harassed?

Yeah, but more by people in a bad mood…the daily citizens.

There is always something to do with this feeling of entitlement, as a human. Like, one person was mad because they couldn’t open their car door after parking next to my stand. At the same time I think I am entitled to do this because it’s free speech and my basic rights to my first amendments.

What inspires you?

Charlie- I am inspired right now by post graffiti. It’s almost a form of sub-conscious art, and there is beauty in the layers that are peeled away. What was once an artistic statement has now become another form of art by the need to destroy what once was.

 Would you make political art?

I like to think that, as an artist, I can make a positive contribution to world and society, even though I still consider it to be a luxury most days. There are many themes in my art. The animals are basically totems. Totemism is my way of subliminally connecting animals and humans; and in a way connecting humans to the earth. You see the third eye marks for the brow chakra also, suggesting a higher form of thinking and seeing. I feel in this way as an individual, and I may still have the ability to create change. It is the alternative message to large budget advertising.

What about your style, will you ever go away from this look?

I tend to work mostly through abstract expressionism, like with the graffiti removal. It’s partly a result of being in New York so long, there are so many textures everywhere.

Biggest dream?

Well, since I have gone on my own I have made more art because I am less consumed with making fine art. I don’t think I could work with restraints, because I really need to work with something that I can connect to. Maybe I would do something like creative directing or branding, but otherwise my dream is to start an art farm–somewhere artists could come on a quarterly basis to have events or festivals. I would like it to be somewhere, probably on the east coast, outside of New York or Toronto.

 Biggest doubt?

Failure- not doing something because it’s a risk, and taking the easy way out.

 Did you go to art school?

No, I didn’t go to art school, but I had some classes in early grade school when I was about eight-years-old. We had a teacher where all we did was mix poetry and paintings. I learned a lot from that environment. Later on, I never could handle the structure of an art class. We did once have this polish couple live with my family.  He was a furniture designer and she was an artist, and as I grew up with that, it helped me to understand the value of the artists.

What about exposure?

I would like to find more fine art avenues, with audiences in other countries. I think tops; 10-20 galleries around the world would be good. I have people from Telavive and Rio stop by all the time and take my work back to their country.

What about New York’s Art scene, is there one?

Yes, the guys from RAAWART have been helpful, and a few others that were here, but have since gone. Some have made sure to bring my work with them for their own clientele.  Reverol & Co, iQ galleries in the Netherlands, a gallery in Pittsburgh; Chiz, Zhibit.org and also Orbitz space.

Art in the new world is not as valued or recognized as it was in the old world.

Art is considered a profession in Europe, people have actually come up and said to me, “Let me help you with you work.”Whereas, North Americans tend to look at you and go; “ooh that must be tough.”

I feel technology is diminishing the viewer’s attention span for a real life piece…a piece of real work. But even that will be temporary, because it’s not in the basic needs. It is the same with art; the practical value is not very high. It’s still considered a luxury.

But can you imagine you life any other way?

No I can’t imagine doing anything else now.  I can finally sustain myself from doing this for the last five years.

 What’s your definition of Savvy?

Savvy is being able to navigate, in whatever the given field is, smart and intelligent.

For mor Info on Charlie Green:

Intagram: @Charliegreenart

You can also find a video on 2001films on Word Press

An Entrepreneur on Wall Street

“Growing up I was always trying to make it on my own.”

From business advisor, to business owner, Patricia Angus, grabbed the bull by the horns so to speak when it came to running her own show on Wall Street. Patricia’s response to the following questions captured the essence of entrepreneurship.Since 2008, Angus Advisory has been consulting with families around the world that doing charitable or philanthropic work all around the world.

Were you ever faced with doubts about starting your own business?

I was never afraid it would not succeed. I took the necessary steps to ensure that it would not put me out before I jumped in 100%. Mental hurdles can be the hardest part for an entrepreneur, but for Patricia, it was all about being prepared

What was the scariest part of starting your own business?

I took baby steps, it was a transitional process so I knew I would be covered. The scariest thing for me was financial. I think for a woman, security matters and I made sure I was financially covered before I made any moves.

When did you know you wanted to start your own business?

Growing up I was always trying to make it on my own. She remembered selling lemonade to make extra money, or raking up the leaves for her neighbors in the fall. Being independent was something that just seemed natural for her. I could tell from our interview that her determination was not something that stemmed from a need to control, but more of a curious nature. Some people just seem to have a natural current that life takes them on, and for Patricia, it meant becoming her own boss. Patricia, ahead of the curve, and like a true entrepreneur; launched her own company In 2003: The Angus Advisory Group.

Are you glad to be working for yourself?

Its a full time job, it is very tiring but at the end of the day, I still have more energy working for myself that for someone else because I am doing what I love. She broke the mold in the industry as she became a leader in wealth management and despite the failing economy, her practice in law helped her client base increase, but then soon after, so did her competition. People came out of the wood works, copying this new form of advisory, calling themselves advisors with little or no accreditation. Those are the ones that would never last in the end, they eventually burn out  from lack of experience or  any real knowledge. Patricia branched out of law to become a  “facilitator” in teaching wealthy families how to handle their own investments. Patricia’s years as a lawyer served to help families find and wisely choose their own investments according to their own values. Our work touches on some of the most complicated personal and family issues that our clients face, as well as technical areas such as law and finance. We are willing to help clients with this hard work. Since 2008, Angus Advisory has been consulting with families around the world that doing charitable or philanthropic work all around the world.

What has been one of the hardest lessons you have had to learn while starting your own business?

The hardest thing was making sure to separate my own identity from the identity of my business. I made sure that if I had to separate myself from it, that I did not feel as if I was losing myself.

Did you feel accepted as a woman on wall street, was there a feeling of competition with the men because you were a woman?

Surprisingly, I have had more competition from women that from men in the work world. Women come into the market these days with the attitude of having to fight to keep their place, and in the end they do not have the energy to keep going.

I mentioned a story to Patricia about one woman’s boss that purposefully undercut her just to make herself look better. Patricia agreed that this woman obviously must feel insecure about her capability to complete her job, otherwise, she would have not feel the need to “undercut” her own. Patricia Angus has been listed as the top 50 in wealth management by Wealth Manager and one of the top 100 who’s who in American law.

For more details on Patricia, please check out her site on the link below. http://www.angusadvisorygroup.com/who.html

A New Make-Up Artist for Chanel

Jackie Cooper’s talent, is as hard to ignore as his bright smile. He hit the ground running when he landed in NYC and ran right into a full time job with Chanel. “I like to bring light.” -Jack Cooper Jr.

“The best part of what I do is the moment a woman looks in the mirror and tears begin to form because she has never felt so beautiful.”

Has New York always been a dream city for you to move to?

When I was young and singing in the Cincinnati boy choir, I wanted to sing in the harlem boys choir, and who knew Harlem would be the first place I would have moved to. Living in Cincinnati with the way I dressed and moved around, not many people thought I was from Cincinnati.

Biggest motivator?

The thought of being too comfortable, is my biggest motivator. If I do not have butterflies in my stomach them I’m too comfortable with where im at in life. Being comfortably uncomfortable keeps you moving onward and upward.

What are you inspired by?

I am inspired by everyone I am around, if not, then it is imperative that I am not around them. If we can not grow from each other, what is the point of being around one another. What would you like to see start happening on the frontier of makeup? What I would like to see on the frontier of makeup is for us artist to challenge ourselves. If you are known for classic looks, dive into Avante Grade or vise versa. Challenging ourselves will help us grow and respect each other’s side of the fence even more.

Top dream celebrity to work with?

I would have to work with Beyonce! She is innovative, takes risk and has worked with so many of the same people for years , which speaks to her loyalty.

Are you superstitious?

Im not really that person, people that are,crack me up. No matter how many cracks are in the sidewalk, or whatever superstitious you believe, I feel that what will be will be.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I see myself working solely for myself, traveling the world and making men and women feel extra fancy.

Do you have a mentor?

Yes I have a mentor. she is what I call my make-up mentor. I have known her for years and she always give the best real deal Holy Field advice. Never sugar coats . I am so grateful for her and her candid advice. She always lets me know that I am doing well, but there is more work to do. Also, my youngest brother is my NYC mentor, he has been in the city for years and knows the ins and outs (Also another person that does not sugar coat) I keep people like that around me so that I do not become watered down or stop dealing with reality.

If  you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?

If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to Bora Bora. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth in my opinion. I would swim with the fish, let the sand tickle my toes and have not a care in the world. I would send for friends and family as I missed them. I am such a loner that’s one thing people would be surprised to know about me.

What is the hardest part of your industry to deal with?

The hardest thing is always having to be ON and “look pretty”, you do not always feel that way! (Some days I want to be “unpretty.”) We go through things like everyone else but we can never really show it. It is an extremely vain industry. With vanity comes extreme insecurity so it can become very catty with the men as well as women. This is why it is extremely imperative that I keep real people around me. I am pretty good at sniffing a fake, and that, I can not be bothered with that! People will try to take advantage of you, no matter what you do for a living , so you must be more than a pretty face.

The best part of your industry?

The best part of what I do is the moment a woman looks in the mirror and tears begin to form because she has never felt so beautiful. As I type this I feel my emotions change as I reminisce on some of those moments. I have yet to feel a better feeling knowing that I can help someone feel as good about themselves as I feel about me. Once I realized, that what I do is bigger than me, it allowed me to move through the tired, busy or just not feeling it days much easier. When people reach out and say they’ve slept in there makeup because they felt so beautiful is another moment where time stops and I realize that this person will be a better spouse , mother , etc because she’s feeling good about herself. It is one way I can contribute to the world becoming a better place.

Are you a saver or a spender?

I am such a spender it is ridiculous. But there are some things that I am very frugal about. You will not see me spending thousands on clothing or things of that nature. I love electronics and sweet treats, so that is what I spend on . As I get older I think about retirement so I know that having things in place now will pay off later in life … hahaha, to be continued…

What daily make-up tip would you give our readers?

Keep it simple. You do not want to look like a whole new person when you take your makeup off. What is the best way for people to reach you, or see some of your work? I have a portfolio for now at http://www.jackiecooperjr.portfoliobox.me